LAS VEGAS?What he earned with blood, Juan Manuel Marquez intends to keep with his heart.
Marquez, the reigning World Boxing Council super featherweight titlist, said he?s not going to part with his belt without giving Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao a hell of a fight.
Marquez has been carrying the belt around like a prized possession.
He won it via a bloody victory over fellow Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera and defended his championship successfully against American Rocky Juarez last year.
Going to cost him ?If he [Pacquiao] wants to get it, it?s going to cost him a lot,? said Marquez in Spanish during the press conference for the ?Unfinished Business? fight card last Saturday.
?His speed and power are a given, but I know my technical skills are better.?
In an interview with GMA Network?s Chino Trinidad, Marquez said the only way for him to beat back Pacquiao is to fight intelligently.
And Marquez said he?s going to play it smart against Pacquiao.
Insisting that he was robbed of victory in his first meeting with Pacquiao?where he recovered from three first-round knockdowns to salvage a draw?Marquez said he?s prepared to deal with whatever Pacquiao has to offer.
Marquez added that he doesn?t mind the odds (minus-235 for Pacquiao, plus-195 for Marquez) showing Pacquiao as strong favorite in the megabuck encounter.
?I?ll do my taking in the ring,? said Marquez.
